Rays of Dharma

Author(s): Chitrabhanu
Publisher: Divine Knowledge Society

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Rays of Dharma
necessary to take cognizance of the soul which abides in the body. We should keep in mind that whatever we do should be for the everlasting soul.
Just think over the marvelous temple complex of Lord Ädinäth on Shatrunjay hill near Pälitänä. Does it bear the name of the person who constructed it? The history says that when Bähad Mantri decided to renovate it about 900 years ago, many people came forward to contribute. When the list of donors was being drawn, the ghee-vendor Bhim happened to come there. He also thought of contributing what he had earned that day by vending ghee. As he counted the amount with him, it turned out to a rupee and a half. How could he dare to contribute that trifling amount where the people were contributing in millions? In despair he stood aside in a corner.
When Bähad saw it from a distance, he thought that the man could be in need of help. Rising from his seat he went to Bhim and asked how he could be helpful. Bhim replied that he was not looking for any help, but was thinking to contribute the amount that he had earned. Bähad was very much impressed that the man was willing to contribute the entire amount he had. He respectfully led Bhim to the dais, accepted the amount and wrote his name at the top of the list. When asked to explain it, Bähad said that other donors had contributed a fraction of what they had, while Bhim had contributed his entire amount. As such, he stood the highest among all donors.
Ränakpur temple in Räjasthän is truly marvelous. It is an exquisitely sculptured beauty. It has 1,444 artistically carved and individually designed poles that make it unique in the world. The delicacy of the art is apparent in the whole complex. There, however, does not occur anywhere the name of Dharanä Shah, who constructed it. Only his humble image in a bowing posture is seen on one pole.
Such places can provide the true sense of devotion and humbleness. One would feel gratified to touch the pious particles of its dust. May Lord help in bringing back the time when the people would be out to donate without any expectation.
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